PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: Karnofsky 60-100% Life expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: Hemoglobin at least 9 g/dL WBC at least 3,000/mm3 Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 times upper limit of normal (ULN) AST and ALT no greater than 1.5 times ULN (4 times ULN for liver metastases) Alkaline phosphatase no greater than 2.5 times ULN (4 times ULN for liver or bone metastases) Renal: Creatinine no greater than 1.5 times ULN Cardiovascular: No history or clinical signs of significant cardiovascular disease Other: No other serious concurrent illness No greater than grade II neuropathy No evidence of gastrointestinal dysfunction No intolerance to a high-fat meal Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception